Holy Communion: Special circumstance--am Lutheran [edited]

[FrDavid96]

((Macaroon))) has apparently not been back since the question was posted-let’s hope that the lack of compassion for someone who is obviously in turmoil over this-is not as evident in the response of the local Priest and Bishop-as it has shown up here…

Mark 10:13-14 … And they were bringing little children to Him that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them…But when Jesus saw them,He was indignant,and said to them,“Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them, for such is the kingdom of God.”

…just a thought…

The Church does not hinder anyone from receiveing Communion, everyone is most welcome. But the person must receive worthily–and that’s a choice for the individual person to make; an option which is always made available and indeed encouraged. The Church doesn’t hinder, the Church welcomes.

Since you’re quoting Scripture, I suggest you read 1 Cor 11:27
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord…For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”

I believe it’s safe to say that St. Paul’s words apply not only to the one receiving, but to the one administering. That’s why let’s hope that the local priest and bishop take their roles seriously and behave responsibly.

 

[JCnMe]

((((FrDavid96)))…((macaroon )) has already testified that the eucharist is seen as the body and blood of Christ-and obviously is very much attuned to the spiritual need of having this connection-or there would not be the urgency or need to take communion…I realize that you are clearing up any confusion that lay catholics and others may have about such things… [edited]

 

[FrDavid96]

((((FrDavid96)))…((macaroon )) has already testified that the eucharist is seen as the body and blood of Christ-and obviously is very much attuned to the spiritual need of having this connection-or there would not be the urgency or need to take communion…

That’s not sufficient for being admitted to Communion. One must believe entirely in the docrtines of the Eucharist, including the necessity of a valid priesthood. If one believes that a Lutheran minister may confect the Eucharist (in some way), then that belief isn’t there.

I realize that you are clearing up any confusion that lay catholics and others may have about such things…

Yes, clearing up confusion. Better to clarify it than to sit back and watch while the essential doctrines of the Eucharist are diluted. If the OP had received only answers which accurately describe the teachings and theology of the Church, it would not have been necessary to “clear up any confusion.”

[edited]

As a priest I cannot sit back and tolerate when essential Eucharistic doctrines are being improperly presented. The position of the Church is clearly defined in canon 844. Had that been the only response to this original question, I would not have disputed anything.
Post #3 by Fergal answered the question (and a good job of it at that). Had things been left there, the rest of this thread would not have been posted.

 

[Ockham]

We would all be very lucky to have a priest like Father David in our own parish. Sticking to the rules isn’t being mean, it is being consistent. Consistency is how a two thousand year old institution remains strong. In this case it is also caring for the souls of Catholics and others. The moral relativism and liberal application of doctrine seen since Vatican II is settling down and hopefully will extinguish. Our goal in this life is to make it to heaven and priests like Father David are just trying to help us along the way.

 

[Cristiano]

…**but on the whole this thread has taken a very “uncharitable” **tone-including your personal demeaning words to ((Lux)). saying to “get off your high horse” etc…it’s an argumentative attack mode-that seems prevalent on these boards…I guess I expected a little more tolerance and patience from a Priest…if you were a Doctor- I’d say you are probably a very good Doctor-but your bedside manner(people skills) needs work…just my 2cents…

Have you ever heard the remark “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” or “Doctor heal thyself”.

 

[benedictgal]

((((FrDavid96)))…((macaroon )) has already testified that the eucharist is seen as the body and blood of Christ-and obviously is very much attuned to the spiritual need of having this connection-or there would not be the urgency or need to take communion…I realize that you are clearing up any confusion that lay catholics and others may have about such things…[edited]

[edited] We do not, as Catholics, have open reception of Holy Communion. Receiving Our Lord also means that we have to be in Communion with the entire Church, the one Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and True Church founded by Jesus Christ on the Rock of St. Peter. [edited] a priest or a bishop could easily override canon law when no urgent or grave circumstance exists is not justifiable. In fact, it is most uncharitable, not only for the party receiving Our Lord (because the circumstances are not warranted), but, it also smacks of abuse fo the Holy Eucharist.

Fr. David made some valid points. [edited] further confusion helps no one in the end.

 

[JCnMe]

…you(and others) missed the point of my post to you(((FrDavid)))…I think the tenents of the Church have been clearly defined(thank you for that)-my post to you was that your demeaning comments to ((Lux)) were not necessary to get your point across-in fact- they diminished YOU in the process and for that I’m sorry -but feel a need to point it out if you were unaware that you could be so much more attuned to the people you speak to as a Priest than you come across(in those instances) here…

FYI- the comments are offered with the deepest respect for your commitment to the Church and God…I would hope they would be received in the same manner…the ((())) are hugs…

 

[Jean_Anthony]

Please refrain from making personal comments, everyone. If someone breaks forum rules, please use the report post function, instead. Thank you all.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

I hope Macaroon does communicate with the bishop, and lets us know the results.

Lux

 

[FrDavid96]

I am a Lutheran, currently living in India on a field assignment for my company. I have been here for almost six months, during this time I have not been able to receive the Holy Communion, for obvious reasons. However, I live in Chennai, in Santhome, only 100 meters from St. Thomas Basilica.

As a Lutheran, I believe the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Christ. Is it acceptable for me to take Holy Communion at Saint Thomas?

I realize the standard answer is “no”. However, even though we have similar rules in the Lutheran Church, our pastor told me he would never refuse the Sacrament to one who had faith. May I expect similar treatment?

Please advise.

Have you tried the Lutheran seminary in Chennai?

Here’s their webpage
gltc.edu/gurukul/

and contact information:

Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute
94, Purasawalkam High Road,
Kilpauk,
Chennai - 600 010
India.
Tel: +91 44 42651070 / 42651061 / 42651072
Fax: +91 44 42651071

 

[benedictgal]

Have you tried the Lutheran seminary in Chennai?

Here’s their webpage
gltc.edu/gurukul/

and contact information:

Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute
94, Purasawalkam High Road,
Kilpauk,
Chennai - 600 010
India.
Tel: +91 44 42651070 / 42651061 / 42651072
Fax: +91 44 42651071

That pretty much solves the problem right there! He can definitely contact the institute and take it from there! Great detective work, Fr. David!